PORT DICKSON: A 29-year-old medical assistant was killed and three others had to be admitted for treatment after they were believed to have been overcome by a carbon monoxide leak in an ambulance.

       Seremban Fire and Rescue Department chief Mohamad Idris said all four were staff members at the Bukit Pelanduk government clinic here.

       Mohamad, a Hazardous Materials Unit (Hazmat) expert, said his team was initially alerted about a possible gas leak at the clinic around 9.30am.

       "We quickly came and carried out some tests at the clinic but found no evidence of any gas leak.

       "We were also told that one medical staff member had earlier fainted and had to be rushed by his colleagues to the Port Dickson Hospital in an ambulance," he said.

       However, when the ambulance reached the Port Dickson Hospital, the staff there were surprised to find the three medical staff members, who were seated in the rear section of the ambulance, as well as the individual who was unwell earlier, unconscious.

       They were quickly rushed in for treatment but one was later pronounced dead.

       "We then realised that there was a possible chemical or gas leak inside the ambulance itself as a similar incident involving the same vehicle was reported yesterday (July 21) involving one individual who also had to be given treatment," he said.

       He said the driver and other medical personnel from the clinic seated in the front of the ambulance were not affected.

       Mohamad said his team would continue to probe the matter to establish what caused the incident.

       State health committee chairman S. Veerapan said the authorities were probing the incident and a statement would be issued later.